Posterior Cricoarytenoid Muscle, Lateral View

Description

Oriented in a lateral perspective on the male larynx, the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle lies on the posterior lamina of the cricoid cartilage and fans superolaterally toward the muscular process of the arytenoid cartilage. Superior and anterior to it, the thyroid cartilage forms the laryngeal framework, while inferiorly the cricoid transitions into the first tracheal rings. Intrinsic laryngeal musculature is differentiated by color, placing the posterior cricoarytenoid in clear contrast to adjacent adductors along the arytenoid complex. Small structure, big consequences. As the sole abductor of the vocal folds, the posterior cricoarytenoid rotates the arytenoid cartilage laterally to open the rima glottidis during respiration, making its line of pull and attachment points a frequent teaching target when explaining airway mechanics. Bilateral dysfunction, whether from recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, posterior glottic scarring after prolonged intubation, or iatrogenic trauma during thyroid and anterior cervical spine surgery, can present with inspiratory stridor and a narrowed glottic airway despite intact sensation. A lateral view clarifies why posterior approaches to the cricoarytenoid joint and arytenoid mobilization procedures must respect the muscle’s insertion on the muscular process. Use this asset in otolaryngology and speech science curricula to anchor discussions of vocal fold abduction, in anesthesia education on post-intubation airway complications, or in surgical atlases covering thyroidectomy, tracheostomy, and posterior glottic stenosis management. It also reads well in journal figures when describing recurrent laryngeal nerve-related dysphonia versus true airway compromise. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.